The exact cause of diverticulitis is unknown. Research suggests that several factors are associated with diverticulitis:
- Dietary fiber: It was previously believed that a low-fiber diet may cause diverticulitis. Newer studies have revealed that a high-fiber diet with frequent bowel movements can also cause diverticulosis. Because the effect and requirement of fiber in the diet may vary from person to person, one must consult their doctor about how much fiber they need to include in their diet.
- Aging: The risk of diverticulitis increases with age. Recent studies have reported that about 35% of adults aged 50 years or younger have diverticulosis in the United States, whereas about 58% of US adults older than 60 years have diverticulosis.
- Genes: Research suggests that there might be a role of genetics in causing diverticulitis.
- Being overweight or obese
- High-fat diet
- Diet rich in red meat
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Certain drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, opioids, and steroids
What is diverticulitis?
Diverticula are small outgrowths (pouches) that develop in the large intestine in some individuals. These pockets or diverticula push out through the weak spots in the intestine. When these pouches get inflamed (swollen), the condition is called diverticulitis. It may be due to an infection or other causes. They are commonly seen in the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon). Diverticulosis is normally a harmless condition and does not produce any symptoms or require any treatment. In some persons, however, it may get infected and cause health problems. The risk of diverticulitis increases with age. Around 200,000 people are hospitalized for diverticulitis each year in the United States.
Diverticulitis, if left untreated, can lead to many complications:
- Abscess: It is a painful, swollen, infected, and pus-filled area just outside the colon wall. It may cause fever, nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.
- Bowel obstruction: Diverticulitis may cause partial or complete obstruction of the intestine.
- Perforation: It refers to a small hole or tear in the colon.
- Peritonitis: It is the inflammation or infection of the lining of the abdomen. It presents as fever and severe abdominal pain.
- Fistula: It refers to an abnormal passage between two organs or between an organ and the outside of the body.
What does an attack of diverticulitis feel like?
Diverticulitis can cause the following symptoms:
Are bananas good for diverticulitis?
High-fiber foods such as bananas are good for diverticulitis (unless they are prohibited due to other reasons). Diet should include less of fried or fatty foods and red meat. Other foods that may help in diverticulitis are as follows:
- Fruits including apples, peaches, pears, and tangerines
- Lettuce
- Boiled/baked and peeled potatoes
- Vegetable juices
- Mushrooms
- Soft cooked vegetables such as sweet potatoes, asparagus, beets, turnips, pumpkin, broccoli, artichokes, lima beans, carrots, and squash
- High-fiber cereals such as shredded wheat
- Hot cereals such as oatmeal, farina, and cream of wheat
- Quinoa
- Whole-grain breads such as whole wheat or whole rye bread
QUESTION
See AnswerTop What Triggers Diverticulitis? Related Articles
Can Diverticulitis Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, an attack of uncomplicated diverticulitis can go away on its own. However, you must visit your doctor for a thorough evaluation of the episode. Most attacks of uncomplicated diverticulitis are not life-threatening and usually resolve within a week. Complicated diverticulitis needs medical attention because it can cause serious complications.Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a change in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Symptoms associated with diarrhea are cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency. Causes of diarrhea include viral, bacterial, or parasite infection, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and drugs. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.Diverticulitis Slideshow
Diverticulitis (diverticulosis) is a condition in which the diverticulum or diverticula rupture in the colon, causing infection. Medical treatments such as antibiotics and surgery can treat diverticulitis (diverticulosis).Diverticulitis Picture
Diverticula can be seen via barium x-ray (barium enema). See a picture of Diverticulitis and learn more about the health topic.Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis)
Most people with diverticulosis have few if any symptoms at all. When people do experience signs and symptoms of diverticulosis (diverticular disease) they may include abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticula in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Treatment methods for diverticulitis include prescription medications, and in some cases, diverticulitis surgery.What Foods Should You Avoid if You Have Diverticulitis?
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Intestinal gas and painful bloating are common. Learn about what causes gas pain and how eliminating certain foods from your diet can help relieve symptoms.Is Bright Red Blood in the Stool Serious?
The presence of blood in the stool needs to be evaluated by your doctor. In most cases, the bright red blood in stools is not an immediate threat to life. The most common causes are piles, anal polyps, anal fissures and colitis (inflammation of the large bowel).Is Diverticulitis Contagious?
Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the diverticula or diverticulum. Diverticulitis causes are either infectious or noninfectious, however, it is not contagoius. Symptoms of diverticulitis include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, constipation, changes in bowel habits, bloating, constipation, fever, abdominal tenderness, swollen abdomen, fistula formation, and lower left abdominal pain.mineral oil
Mineral oil is a liquid lubricant laxative available over the counter (OTC) taken orally to relieve occasional constipation. Common side effects of mineral oil include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fecal urgency, fecal incontinence, oily rectal discharge, anal irritation, itching, and hemorrhoids; intestinal malabsorption, impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, low vitamin levels (hypovitaminosis), and lipid pneumonitis/pneumonia from aspiration. Do not take mineral oil if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not administer to children under the age of 6.What Are the Signs of a Blocked Bowel?
What is a blocked bowel, and how do you fix it? Learn the signs, what causes a blockage, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.Can Diverticulitis Cause Urinary Symptoms?
Diverticular disease and diverticulitis both affect the large intestine (bowel). Nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and bladder symptoms such as pain or burning when peeing or the desire to urinate frequently are possible symptoms.Which Is Worse: Diverticulitis or Diverticulosis?
What’s the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis? Learn what these conditions are and how to treat them.